New Sculpture Towers Over Yosemite Area Art Galleries

A 16-foot tall sculpture from Fresno's renowned "Man of Steel" Chris Sorenson has been completed in front of Oakhurst's Gallery Row, the culmination of a year long project meant to showcase the thriving art community in this town just outside the southern entrance to Yosemite National Park according to the Yosemite Sierra Visitors Bureau.

This 16-foot tall sculpture from Fresno's Chris Sorenson stands tall outside Oakhurst's "Gallery Row", a series of art galleries that serve as the hub of the region's thriving art scene.

The sculpture has already received a great deal of attention and support. It is an icon that celebrates our creative community, and our efforts to promote the arts in the area,

(PRWEB) April 23, 2013

A new piece of artwork is on display at the popular Gallery Row in Oakhurst, but it’s not in any of the galleries. Instead, the massive sculpture stands outside the complex, making quite the impression on motorists driving by.

“The sculpture has already received a great deal of attention and support. It is an icon that celebrates our creative community, and our efforts to promote the arts in the area,” said Jon Bock with Stellar Gallery and head of the Sierra Art Trails.

The 20 foot tall metal sculpture, designed by Chris Sorenson, known as Fresno’s “Man of Steel”, isn’t just a static piece of art, the massive metal design rotates in the wind like a weather vane, making the piece of art that much more attention-grabbing.

“We focused on a design created by Chris many years earlier, a kinetic sculpture with balanced elements, strong lines and bright colors,” said Bock.

The sculpture features a yellow, crescent moon that rotates while suspended from a red, curved arm that also rotates atop a blue base.

Funding for the piece came from a local donations and a Kickstarter fundraising effort, raising more than the $7500 toward the construction and installation of the piece. All in all, the project took about a year to complete from when the idea was first conceived to the placing of the sculpture.

“I am very pleased to finally see the project nearing completion. A dedication ceremony will be held in May. The project received wide support from community members, customers, artists, and art advocates. I am sincerely grateful to everyone who helped, ” Bock said.

This was the first public art project from the not-for-profit Sierra Art Trails organization, which is known for hosting the annual Sierra Arts Trails Open Studio tour each October. The organization promotes local artists and cultural tourism in the region, and also supports the arts with educational opportunities for aspiring young artists.